October is a hub of activity and events at Flinders, with opportunities to raise awareness and understand more about menopause, celebrate World Menopause Day and World Mental Health Day, and even volunteer to get involved at the staff end of year event!

This is timely given the work that was already underway at Flinders University. Back in August, Flinders launched a dedicated staff Menopause webpage and information sessions.

The purpose of this webpage is to increase awareness about menopause and provide access to a range of resources, both as an individual, and for those who are leaders. Learn more about how Flinders is embracing this important conversation and providing access to information and resources here.

Menopause Information Sessions

This month, we are proud to be offering two dedicated menopause awareness training sessions hosted by Menopause Friendly Australia.

Menopause Awareness for Staff will be held on Wednesday 23 October 2024. All staff are invited to join this important session. It will provide an overview of menopause and aims to increase awareness of menopause.

Menopause Awareness for Managers is scheduled for Monday 14 October 2024. This awareness session has been designed to help supervisors and managers navigate menopause in the workplace.

World Menopause Day, 18 October

Mark your calendars for World Menopause Day on Friday 18 October! The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of menopause and the available supports to improve health and wellbeing. How will your area recognise this important day and contribute to making Flinders a more inclusive workplace?

Metlife 360Health for menopause

Are you experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause? Do you feel uncertain about where to turn? UniSuper members have access to a complementary telehealth service provided by MetLife 360 Virtual Health. Take advantage of the ‘ask a GP’ function and ask for advice. This is a free online service that provides you with an answer within 48 hours. You can also seek an expert second opinion if you are looking for additional assurance and have an existing diagnosis. These free services are designed to complement your primary health providers and provide you with access to additional support. Learn more about MetLife 360 virtual health here.

On 10 October 2024, we encourage you and your teams to take the time to celebrate World Mental Health Day, to check in with your peers and colleagues, and to highlight the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Osher Günsberg Let’s Talk About It session

Through our partnership with Bupa, staff have the opportunity to access a live virtual Q&A with Osher Günsberg as part of Bupa’s Thought Leadership Series. Osher is a mental health advocate who has spoken openly about his battle with mental illness and addiction. The theme for this session is Let’s Talk About It and prompts everyone to reflect on their own mental health and overall wellbeing. Register for this session here.

Psychological Safety - Creating a Speak Up Culture Event

Thanks to 2024 Campus Activation Funding, the College of Science and Engineering's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Group are hosting a session on Psychological Safety - Creating a Speak Up Culture at our Tonsley campus on 12 November. In this keynote, leading Australian WHS expert Karen Maher deep dives into “psychological safety”, explaining what it is, and how we can create and instil this important concept within our workplaces. To register for the event, click here.

EOI for end of year event volunteers

2024 is flying by and we are planning for the end of year staff event. This event is a chance to network and connect with many of your fellow staff members. To help make the event possible, we are looking for volunteers to be part of activity stalls, registration tables and food distribution. If you would like to register your interest in volunteering for this event on 22 November, please fill in the EOI form here. Further information and an Eventbrite to register for the event will be sent out next week.

For any queries, or to promote your staff event, please contact us on: thriving@flinders.edu.au

Flinders University
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park South Australia 5042